Each time I go back to the basics, it is with a different understanding, a different level of complexity and a different level of analysis. The techniques no longer have any meaning except as examples of the application of the principles, a way of learning more about the principles, or as useful tools in my work.

I used to see the techniques as Aikido. I now see them only as tools for learning the principles which I see as Aikido. As such, I have become much more particular as to how a technique is done by a student. Just being able to do a technique is no longer adequate. I now want to see the principle being demonstrated and studied being applied in the technique.